Returning WRs to Watch This Spring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jerry Thomas | 2026 | Lakeland | @Showtime2swift</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas has been one of the more slept on receivers in Polk County and continues to rise as an underrated gem. At 6-3, he possesses solid length and a growing catch radius, making him a constant mismatch on the outside. He thrives at stretching the field and winning contested catches. If his offseason performance is any indication, his recruitment is about to take off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='641591' first='Ryan' last='Hamilton'] | Gaither | @RyanHamilton__</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hamilton has emerged as a dynamic playmaker for Gaither, showcasing home-run ability with his speed and explosiveness. A true vertical threat, he's already landed offers from FAU, Wake Forest, Buffalo, and more, proving that college programs are taking notice. Expect him to keep climbing the ranks this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581751' first='Barrett' last='Schulz'] | 2026 | Lake Mary | @BarrettSchulz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-6, 190 pounds, Schulz is a nightmare matchup for defensive backs. Despite his towering frame, he moves well and runs crisp routes, making him much more than just a big target. He's also a willing blocker, adding value beyond just the passing game. With another strong season ahead, his stock will only continue to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kabran Paul | 2026 | Lincoln | @KabranPaul7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the fastest risers in the 2026 class, Paul brings legit track speed to the field. He's a multi-faceted weapon, finishing last season with 600 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, and three kick return touchdowns. His versatility has already earned him offers from Georgia State, South Alabama, and Boston College, with more sure to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keyshaun Birks | St. Pete Catholic | @KeyshaunBirks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true hidden gem in the Pinellas County area, Birks stands at 6-1, 185 pounds and runs a laser-timed 4.55. His length and athleticism allow him to win at the catch point, and his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him even more intriguing. He's been turning heads this offseason and is a name to keep on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RJ Peabody | 2026 | Mitchell | @Peabody_RJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peabody is a smooth route-runner with natural ball-tracking skills. He put up solid numbers last season with 32 catches for 715 yards and six touchdowns, proving his ability to make plays downfield. With his ability to separate and find space, expect him to be a go-to target again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581874' first='Ziyon' last='Butler'] | 2026 | Raines | @zflashthetruth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler is a track-speed receiver who is beginning to fill out his frame, making him even more dangerous. He posted around 600 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season, showing he's a reliable red-zone target as well as a big-play threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1128598' first='Bryce' last='Backus'] | 2026 | Mitchell | @backusbryce2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Backus is a yards-after-catch specialist who knows how to break tackles and maximize space. He racked up 38 receptions for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, showing great balance and playmaking ability in the open field. He's a versatile weapon who will continue to be a go-to option in Mitchell's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xavier Clemente | 2026 | Land O'Lakes | @XClemente76475</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clemente is a electric receiver with a quick release off the line and a natural feel for creating separation. He hauled in 42 catches for 766 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, consistently making plays after the catch. His speed and change of direction allow him to be a threat at all levels of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->